Energy & Climate
The project focuses on the efficient extraction of CO2 and water from the atmosphere. In addition to the technical challenges, the interaction between the energy system, air quality, and climate plays a crucial role in the project.
The use of Direct Air Capture (DAC) to extract CO2 from the air for the production of methanol or hydrocarbons has long been discussed as a significant pathway for generating climate-neutral fuels and feedstocks for the chemical industry. Unlike hydrogen, methanol production is not constrained by proximity to consumers, as methanol, being a liquid energy carrier, can be transported over long distances. Production can take place in sun-rich regions, optimal for renewable energy generation. The issue of low water availability in these typically arid regions is addressed by the DAC, which not only captures CO2 but also extracts the water required for electrolysis from the atmosphere.
